The Surge of Drone Sightings: What’s Happening in New Jersey and Across the U.S.
Drones represent a key tool for our business here at veracious. They are used for real estate MLS aerial imagery, construction progress monitoring with aerial imagery, landscape before and after imagery and many other things. As such it’s important for us to keep our customers and any other interested parties apprised of what we know about the recent drone sightings across the US.
In recent years, drone sightings have become an increasingly common occurrence across the United States, particularly in states like New Jersey. These reports, ranging from strange objects in the sky to possible security threats, have raised questions about the potential risks posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), their regulation, and how the government is responding.
Let’s break down the growing trend of drone sightings, their impact on both local communities and national security, and how authorities at various levels are responding to these phenomena.
The Rise in Drone Sightings: A National Trend
Drone sightings have been steadily rising across the United States, sparking both curiosity and concern. What began as a few isolated incidents has now expanded to multiple states, including New Jersey, where sightings have made headlines for their frequency and the mystery surrounding them. While most of these reports can be attributed to recreational drone hobbyists or commercial operations, others remain unexplained.
What Are People Reporting?
Drone sightings vary in nature and intensity. Some are brief, with witnesses spotting a drone hovering in a public space, while others involve more elaborate incidents that could be considered potential security threats. Here are some common themes in recent drone sightings:
- Large Swarms of Drones: In some cases, groups of drones have been seen flying together in intricate patterns. The most infamous example occurred in late 2019 in Colorado, where residents reported seeing large swarms of drones flying in grid-like patterns. While some speculated they were part of military or government exercises, others questioned the nature of the operation, fearing the involvement of unknown or hostile actors.
- Drone Encounters Near Critical Infrastructure: In New Jersey, sightings of drones near nuclear power plants, chemical facilities, and airports have led to heightened concerns. In 2020, for example, several drones were spotted flying near the PSEG nuclear plant in Salem County, New Jersey. Although these incidents were often attributed to recreational drones or local operators, they raised alarms about the potential for nefarious activities, such as surveillance or sabotage.
- Unidentified Drones: In some areas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of drones flying in restricted airspace without proper authorization. Some of these drones were never recovered or identified, leading to suspicions that they could be operated by foreign actors or even criminal groups.
Government Response: Regulatory Actions and National Security Concerns
As the number of drone sightings increases, so does the response from government agencies. Drones, though incredibly useful for many commercial and recreational purposes, have also become a tool of concern for national security, privacy, and safety. Here’s a look at how the U.S. government is responding:
1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Oversight
The FAA is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating drones in U.S. airspace. It has implemented several measures to mitigate the risk of unsafe drone operations, including:
- Part 107 Rules: These regulations, established in 2016, govern the operation of commercial drones weighing less than 55 pounds. They require operators to be certified, maintain visual line-of-sight with their drones, and restrict flights in certain areas, including near airports or critical infrastructure.
- Drone Registration: All drones weighing over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA. This has helped authorities track and identify drone operators, though it is still a challenge to enforce.
- Remote Identification: The FAA has also pushed for a “Remote ID” rule, akin to a drone license plate, that would make it easier to track drones in flight. This regulation aims to address public safety and security concerns by enabling law enforcement and security agencies to identify drones in restricted areas.
The FAA has released a number of videos intended to address concerns regarding these drone sightings.
2. DHS and National Security Concerns
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed growing concern over the potential use of drones for malicious purposes, including surveillance, smuggling, and even terrorist attacks. Drones can easily bypass traditional security measures, making them a tool for espionage or terrorism.
- Counter-Drone Technology: The U.S. government has invested in counter-drone technology (C-sUAS), which is designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones. This includes both physical countermeasures (such as jamming signals) and cyber capabilities that can disrupt drone communications.
- Military and Federal Agencies: The military has been working to develop advanced drone detection and countermeasures, particularly in areas of high security, such as military bases and government buildings. The Pentagon has also established guidelines for dealing with potential drone threats in sensitive areas.
Here is a link to the official DHS response: HERE
3. State and Local Government Actions
Local authorities in New Jersey and other states have also taken steps to address drone sightings. These measures often focus on law enforcement, public safety, and coordination with federal agencies. Some of the steps being taken include:
- Enhanced Reporting Systems: Local law enforcement has been encouraged to report drone sightings to the FAA. In New Jersey, police departments and county agencies are often the first responders to drone incidents, especially when drones are spotted near sensitive locations like power plants or transportation hubs.
- Drone Bans and Restrictions: Some local governments have taken proactive steps to ban or restrict drones in specific areas, especially around critical infrastructure or public events. These restrictions are often enforced through zoning laws or temporary no-fly zones.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: To ensure that drone operators comply with regulations, some state and local governments have launched public awareness campaigns about drone safety, registration, and the risks of flying in restricted areas.
What’s Next for Drones in the U.S.?
While the increase in drone sightings across the U.S. has prompted concerns, it is also important to recognize that drones have many beneficial applications. They are used for everything from scientific research and environmental monitoring to agriculture and filmmaking. The key challenge lies in balancing the legitimate uses of drones with the risks they pose.
As technology advances, the government’s response will likely continue to evolve. Some future trends to watch for include:
- Expanded Drone Detection: New technologies for detecting and identifying drones are being developed, including radar systems, infrared sensors, and AI-powered software. These tools may become more widely deployed to enhance safety and security.
- Increased Regulation: Expect tighter regulations in the coming years, particularly regarding the use of drones near airports, sensitive locations, and urban areas. Local governments may also pass laws tailored to their specific needs, especially in densely populated regions like New Jersey.
- Public-private Partnerships: Collaboration between federal, state, and local governments and the private sector may lead to more comprehensive solutions for drone safety and security, including improved tracking systems and countermeasures.
Conclusion
The growing number of drone sightings in New Jersey and across the U.S. has highlighted both the promise and the potential risks of this rapidly evolving technology. While drones have become an integral part of many industries, they also pose challenges when it comes to security, privacy, and public safety.
The U.S. government is taking steps to address these challenges through regulations, technological advancements, and partnerships between various agencies. However, as drone technology continues to evolve, ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure that drones can be used safely while minimizing the risks they pose to national security and public well-being.
